Business Notes

A one day ServSafe class is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at the Cyber Cafe in the Johnston Medical Mall, 514 N. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield. The cost is $165 and includes the test. The test only is $85. For more information, call Loren Dean at 919-938-7741

Economic development videos

The Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce has released three videos promoting economic development in the Smithfield-Selma area.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.

“Smithfield-Selma, N.C.: The Home for Your Business” highlights reasons a company would want to locate to Johnston County. The other two videos showcase certified industrial sites in Smithfield and Selma. The videos are at www.smithfieldselma.com/pages/CertifiedSites1 and on the chamber’s YouTube channel.

Building supplier goes public

Shares of Stock Building Supply shares rose 3 percent in an initial public offering earlier this month. The company, which has a store in the Cleveland community, raised $98 million after selling 7 million shares at $14 per share.

The company had previously targeted selling 8.82 million shares between $16 and $18 per share.

The company expects proceeds from the IPO to be $57.4 million, below the $67.5 million the company had initially expected to earn. Stock plans to use $46.2 million of the proceeds to pay down debt.

Entrepreneurship course

A class titled “Foundations in Entrepreneurship” will begin Aug. 20 at the Johnston County Workforce Development Center, 135 Bestwood Drive, Clayton. The class will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays through Oct. 14. During the eight-week class, students will write a business plan while learning business planning principles. Students should possess basic computer skills and have a computer with Internet access. The cost is $125. For more information, or to register, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/ceregistration.aspx or call Rosa Andrews at 919-209-2015.

Earnings climb at First Citizens

First Citizens BancShares Inc. has reported quarterly earnings of $43.9 million, up from $37.6 million in the corresponding period of 2012. The increase in net income reflects significantly lower provisions for loan and lease losses, the company said.

Per-share income totaled $4.56, compared to $3.66 for the same period a year ago.

Clayton chamber

• The Clayton Chamber of Commerce will hold “A Night of Networking” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second St., Clayton. Admission is free.

• The chamber will hold its next Member Breakfast Exchange from 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at the chamber office, 301 E. Main St., Clayton. The host is McDonald’s. The sponsor is Johnston Health. Admission is free.

Founded in December 2010, Aspect Financial, which offers access to investments and financial advice, now has nine offices across central and eastern North Carolina.

Business seminar in Washington, D.C.

Chambers of commerce in the 7th Congressional District are invited to the N.C. Business and Economic Development Summit Sept. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. The event allows business leaders to meet with federal government officials to discuss policies affecting their livelihoods and communities.

The seminar will include breakfast on Tuesday morning, but attendees are responsible for all other expenses, including lodging, transportation and meals. A block of rooms is available at the Phoenix Park Hotel. The rate is $264 per night for single or double occupancy.

• The Benson Chamber of Commerce will hold its next Business After Hours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Wood Accounting and Wood Pharmacy, 1302 N. Johnson St., Benson. For more information, call the chamber at 919-894-3825.